Hector Rondon's Stiff Back Feeling Better, But Availability Is Still Uncertain

By Bruce Levine--

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Who will close for the Cubs on Thursday afternoon if Hector Rondon can't make the post? That's what manager Joe Maddon must decide if the back stiffness that Rondon experienced doesn't completely subside.

Rondon first felt the stiffness come on Wednesday during the Cubs' 2-1 win against the Dodgers, in which starter Jon Lester fired a complete game four-hitter.

"Yesterday it felt stiff," Rondon said Thursday. "It was not a big problem. Today I will play catch and see how it feels. That is the first thing we need to find out. Right now, I feel way better than yesterday."

Rondon is a perfect 9-for-9 in save opportunities this season and has converted 20 straight save chances dating back to last August. He also sports a 1.04 ERA.

"When I lean back a little bit, it gets a little tight," Rondon said. "A couple of days ago, I felt a little tight and sore. I told the trainer I needed one day. I had something like this two years ago, but it was nothing big."

Maddon has a few different choices if Rondon can't go soon. Right-handers Pedro Strop, Justin Grimm and Trevor Cahill have all been mentioned at one time or another as an alternative closer if Rondon wasn't available.

"He is better than he was yesterday," Maddon said. "I am not 100 percent sure whether he can go or not."

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.